NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI China: Gold prices continue to hit new highs

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Global spot gold prices soared to new heights on Monday, reaching $2,740 per ounce, following multiple records since the year began.

    Experts predicted possible fresh highs backed by US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, geopolitical uncertainties and purchases from central banks.

    Such a trend is set to favor gold mining companies while presenting challenges for downstream retail sales, said experts, adding companies ought to innovate by offering products with smaller weight variations and novel features to entice consumers.

    Li Yuefeng, a researcher at the Beijing Gold Economy Development Research Center, said that escalating conflicts in the Middle East, the impending US election and expectations of loose monetary policies worldwide have propelled a surge in gold demand as safe-haven assets, driving up international gold prices to break past $2,700 per ounce, establishing a new all-time high.

    Li said this year has witnessed a remarkable increase of over 30 percent in international gold prices, the most significant annual surge since 1979. Looking ahead, Li highlighted the upcoming release of the Purchasing Managers’ Index data as an important factor influencing gold prices.

    “If the PMI data continues to show better-than-expected performance, the US dollar may rise against other currencies to new highs as investors could further reduce their bets on Fed rate cuts,” said Li. “Conversely, if the PMI unexpectedly drops below 50, indicating a contraction in private business activity, it could exert pressure on the dollar, thereby driving international gold prices higher. This week may see a risk of a slight drop of gold prices after reaching new highs.”

    Liu Shikai, manager of research and development at a trading center under the Shandong Zhaojin Gold and Silver Refinery Co Ltd, said that the recent surge in international spot gold prices to cross $2,700 per ounce was predominantly driven by regional tensions.

    He anticipated a continued upward trajectory for international gold prices in the near term, potentially reaching new historical peaks. Geopolitical tensions, mounting uncertainties surrounding US politics and the economy in anticipation of the election, remain pivotal in supporting international gold prices.

    Furthermore, a recent report from the World Gold Council highlighted that central banks’ gold purchases have contributed and will continue to contribute to the uptrend in gold prices. In July, global central banks’ net purchase of gold reached 37 metric tons, marking a 206 percent increase from the previous month, the highest monthly increase since January. The WGC has forecast a continuation of this trend among global central banks in the near future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: IMF maintains 2024 global growth forecast at 3.2%

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday maintained its global growth forecast in 2024 at 3.2 percent, consistent with its projection in July, according to its newly released World Economic Outlook (WEO).

    The level of uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook is high, the report noted.

    “Newly elected governments (about half of the world population has gone or will go to the polls in 2024) could introduce significant shifts in trade and fiscal policy,” the report said.

    IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas speaks at a press conference in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    “Moreover, the return of financial market volatility over the summer has stirred old fears about hidden vulnerabilities. This has heightened anxiety over the appropriate monetary policy stance — especially in countries where inflation is persistent and signs of slowdown are emerging,” it further said.

    The report also noted that a further intensification of geopolitical rifts could weigh on trade, investment and the free flow of ideas. “This could affect long-term growth, threaten the resilience of supply chains, and create difficult trade-offs for central banks,” it said.

    In response to a question from Xinhua, IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said at a press conference that rising geopolitical tensions are “something that we are very concerned about,” noting that there are two dimensions of the impact.

    “One is, of course, if you increase tariffs, for instance, between different blocks, that will disrupt trade, that will misallocate resources, that will weigh down on economic activity,” said Gourinchas.

    “But there is also an associated layer that comes from the uncertainty that increases related to future trade policy, and it will also depress investment, depress economic activity and consumption,” he continued.

    The chief economist noted that the IMF has found an impact on global output levels of approximately 0.5 percent in 2026. “So it’s a quite sizable effect of both an increase in tariffs between different countries and an increase in trade policy uncertainty,” he said.

    According to the latest WEO report, global growth is projected to hold steady, but there are weakening prospects and rising threats.

    The growth outlook is very stable in emerging markets and developing economies, around 4.2 percent this year and next, with continued robust performance from emerging Asia, the report said.

    Noting that the return of inflation near central bank targets paves the way for a policy triple pivot, Gourinchas said that the first pivot — on monetary policy — is under way already.

    The second pivot is on fiscal policy, he noted. “After years of loose fiscal policy in many countries, it is now time to stabilize debt dynamics and rebuild much-needed fiscal buffers,” Gourinchas said.

    The third pivot — and the hardest — is toward growth-enhancing reforms, he said. “Much more needs to be done to improve growth prospects and lift productivity,” he said.

    The IMF chief economist noted that while industrial and trade policy measures can sometimes boost investment and activity in the short run, especially when relying on debt-financed subsidies, “they often lead to retaliation and fail to deliver sustained improvements in standards of living.”

    “Economic growth must come instead from ambitious domestic reforms that boost technology and innovation, improve competition and resource allocation, further economic integration and stimulate productive private investment,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Leap in Sino-African ties foreseen

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The current global economic slowdown and shocks to industrial and supply chains have presented China and Africa with a crucial opportunity to scale up mutual cooperation and move it to a higher level, officials and experts said.

    A shift in China-Africa investment cooperation toward higher-end industries, digitalization, and green development is a vital step in facilitating the inclusive growth of both sides, they said.

    They made the remarks at the Symposium on High-Quality Development of China-Africa Investment Cooperation on Monday, which was jointly hosted by the China-Africa Development Fund and the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Development in Beijing.

    The complementary economic and industrial development profiles of China and Africa have formed a solid basis for their thriving cooperation, said Jing Ning, deputy director-general at the department of Western Asian and African affairs under the Ministry of Commerce.

    The synergistic pairing of China’s technologies, equipment and management expertise with Africa’s markets and human resources has been a key driving force behind the advancement of the continent’s industrialization, technological innovation, and youth employment, Jing said.

    China’s investments in Africa are not only growing in volume but are also strategically oriented toward ensuring that Africa becomes a global manufacturing hub, said Rahamtalla M. Osman, permanent representative of the African Union to China.

    Africa’s green development potential, renewable energy needs, youth population and emerging consumer markets, coupled with the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, have made it a promising investment destination, Osman said.

    The Chinese government announced plans to facilitate at least 70 billion yuan ($9.8 billion) in investments by Chinese companies in Africa over the next three years during the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing in September.

    Meanwhile, China and Africa will establish a joint digital technology cooperation center and 20 flagship digital demonstration projects. China is committed to equipping African nations with the latest advancements in clean energy technologies, including solar, wind, and hydropower systems.

    As Chinese enterprises expand their investments in Africa, they are not only pursuing their own interests, but also striving to bring tangible benefits to African countries, said Wang Shaodan, chairman of the China-Africa Development Fund.

    CADF, along with partner enterprises, is actively promoting technology transfers to African countries, transitioning from “Made in China” to “Made in Africa” and enhancing the local industrial development capabilities, Wang said.

    In 2013, Chinese home appliances manufacturer Hisense and the CADF jointly invested $350 million to establish Hisense South Africa Industrial Park, where the company has promoted technology transfer and upskilled local workers.

    This has enabled South Africa to acquire manufacturing capabilities and develop export-ready brands for the European market, Wang added.

    China is also working to facilitate the transfer of agricultural technologies to Africa through a wide range of cooperation modalities, which is crucial for enhancing Africa’s food security, said Yu Zirong, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Development.

    Africa is currently facing the dual dilemma of debt and development, and Chinese financial institutions and enterprises are exploring the expansion of new collaborative models to address this challenge, said Yu Yong, deputy director-general of the department of African affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    These new approaches, including public-private partnership, and integrated investment-construction-operation model, are designed to ensure the continuous funding and liquidity needed to support Africa’s industrialization, ultimately leading to a reduction in the continent’s debt burden, Yu said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: More elderly living alone, survey says

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The number of elderly people living alone in China has increased significantly since 2010 as they tend to have fewer children, highlighting the significance of strengthening the nation’s elder care system, according to the results of a survey released recently.

    The survey considers an individual elderly once he or she reaches the age of 60.

    Elderly empty nesters — those who live by themselves or live with their spouses only — accounted for 59.7 percent of all the elderly people in China in 2021, up 10.4 percentage points from 2010, according to the fifth sample survey on the living conditions of urban and rural senior residents.

    About three-fourths of empty nesters lived with their spouses. The proportion of rural empty nesters was slightly higher than that of their urban counterparts, standing at nearly 62 percent, the survey said.

    The survey was jointly conducted in 2021 by six government departments and elder care industry associations, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Health Commission. The results were made public recently.

    It also shows that the average number of children that each senior had in 2021 was 2.6, down by 0.6 from 2010. Rural elderly had slightly more children on average at 2.9, compared with 2.3 for urban senior residents.

    “In various aspects of daily life, middle-old (70 to 79 years old) and very-old (80 and above) empty nesters tend to confront greater risks, so the growing size of this population has posed higher demands for developing at-home and community-based elder care services,” said the China National Aging Committee, which was involved in the survey, in a statement explaining the results.

    The committee added that the trend of having fewer children will diminish families’ ability to care for seniors, thus requiring accelerated efforts to improve supportive policies for home-based and public elder care.

    China is coping with a rapidly aging population. Official data shows that the number of people age 60 and older was almost 297 million last year, comprising 21.1 percent of the total population. The proportion of elderly is expected to exceed 30 percent of the nation’s population by 2035.

    The deepening aging trend has prompted authorities to step up development of home-based and community elderly care homes, strengthen the integration of medical and elder care services and encourage the private sector to make investments in the elder care industry.

    Survey results show that the number of elderly who have become more accepting of care provided by elder care institutions has increased by 3.3 percentage points since 2015.

    “Their demands tend to be more varied over time, and their top five demands are at-home medical services, meal assistance, cultural and entertainment activities, health education and at-home cleaning services,” the survey said.

    Li Yongxin, an official at the Ministry of Civil Affairs, said during a news conference on Monday that the number of elder care facilities in China had increased to around 410,000 by June, double the figure seen in 2019. The majority of them are community-based.

    To address the prominent healthcare demands of the rural elderly, Li said that efforts are being made to upgrade rural elder care homes into regional eldercare centers. Public venues in the countryside that sit idle will be the first considered for conversion into care facilities or canteens for seniors.

    According to the survey, more than 56 percent of the elderly population in 2021 consisted of the younger group, from 60 to 69 years old, which was on par with the level seen in 2010.

    “Young elderly represent important and valuable human resources that have great potential,” said the committee, adding that the age structure of China’s elderly population in China will continue to remain relatively young.

    At the same time, the proportion of seniors with a senior high school diploma or degree from a higher education institute also increased from 2010 to 2021.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: North China expands trade via freight rail

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    With regular freight train service from Qisumu International Logistics Park in Ulaanqab, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, to Moscow now in operation, experts said the new route opens a trade channel for North China, and will further expand its exports with the support of the Belt and Road Initiative.

    Launched on Oct 16, the route marks a new addition to the China-Europe freight railway lines originating from Ulaanqab, and is also the city’s first eastbound route along this line.

    Ulaanqab is one of the first 23 cities that was designated as a national logistics hub for the China-Europe freight train service.

    Since the launch of its first China-Europe freight train in 2016, Ulaanqab has expanded operations to eight countries, with destinations such as Yekaterinburg, Russia and Almaty, Kazakhstan. The city now operates 22 international routes.

    As of Oct 16, Ulaanqab’s China-Europe freight routes have operated 806 trains with 33,000 carriages, with a total cargo value of $1.53 billion.

    In recent years, Inner Mongolia has prioritized the development of the freight train network, focusing on Ulaanqab’s role as a key gateway for northbound trade.

    “The autonomous region aims to further enhance its participation in the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor by strengthening Ulaanqab’s logistics capabilities,” said Liang Jing, deputy general manager of Inner Mongolia Asia Europe International Logistics Ltd.

    Citing the importance of the east route of the China-Europe freight service, Liang said, “The new route will increase railway capacity, optimize platform resources and improve service efficiency to further integrate Ulaanqab into the high-quality development of the BRI.”

    Liang said Ulaanqab’s proximity to Ereenhot — only 327 kilometers away — also plays a big role in lowering logistics costs, as many of the products manufactured in Inner Mongolia are transported via these routes.

    So far this year, the region’s government has invested 800 million yuan ($112.4 million) in infrastructure to support Sino-European freight services, including the construction of a logistics center.

    Major exports on this route from Inner Mongolia include sunflower seeds from Bayannuur, Chery automobiles from Ordos, and local timber, grain and oil products, which make up about two-thirds of the region’s total goods transported. Local products account for up to 50 percent of the total freight, Liang said.

    From January to September, 14,689 China-Europe freight trains were operated nationwide, marking a 13 percent year-on-year increase, said China State Railway Group Co Ltd, the nation’s railway operator.

    The trains transported 1.57 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of goods, an 11 percent year-on-year rise.

    In September, over 171,000 TEUs of products were transported by 1,633 China-Europe freight trains, marking 12 percent and 15 percent year-on-year increases, respectively. The freight service saw monthly operations of over 1,600 trains for seven consecutive months so far this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Johnson, Chairman Steil Demand Classified Briefings on Potential Foreign Influence in U.S. Elections

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and U.S. Congressman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) sent letters to the U.S. Treasury Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) requesting information on potential election interference through fraudulent donations by foreign actors. In the letter to Treasury, Chairman Steil and Ranking Member Johnson requested Suspicious Activity Reports related to ActBlue. They also requested that all three agencies provide classified briefings on the matter.
    Excerpts from the letters read:
    “As Chairman of the Committee on House Administration (“CHA”) and as the Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI”), both with broad oversight of our nation’s federal elections, we write to you to raise an urgent concern regarding potential illicit election funding by foreign actors.”
    “CHA has been investigating claims that foreign actors, primarily from Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and China, may be using ActBlue to launder illicit money into U.S. political campaigns. The investigation has indicated that these actors may be exploiting existing U.S. donors by making straw donations without their knowledge.”
    Read the full letters here.
    Background:
    On April 17, 2023, Ranking Member Ron Johnson wrote to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) regarding a video posted online by the O’Keefe Media Group on March 28, 2023 alleging that political donations are being made in large amounts to certain political groups without the donors’ knowledge. The FEC refused to confirm or deny whether it is investigating this matter.
    On October 31, 2023, following reports that ActBlue was accepting political contributions without a card verification value (CVV), Chairman Steil sent a letter demanding answers on ActBlue’s practices, questioning if they are complying with federal campaign finance laws and preventing foreign and illegal contributions.
    On November 27, 2023, ActBlue responded to Chairman Steil’s letter saying it did not require a CVV in order to contribute on their website.
    On September 6, 2024, Chairman Steil introduced H.R. 9488, the Secure Handling of Internet Electronic Donations (SHIELD) Act. The legislation prohibits political committees from accepting an online contribution unless the contributor provides the CVV and billing address associated with the card and from accepting online contributions from prepaid cards. It also adopts a top legislative recommendation from the FEC to prohibit individuals from knowingly aiding or abetting a person making a contribution in the name of another person.
    On September 11, 2024, the SHIELD Act passed the Committee on House Administration by a voice-vote.
    On September 18, 2024, Chairman Steil sent letters to the Attorneys General from Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Florida, and Missouri, updating them on the Committee’s investigation into ActBlue, a major democratic fundraising platform. Along with the letter, the Attorneys General received the data and evidence that the Committee has collected over the course of almost a year. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: EOI – Expert Advisory Group Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign

    Source: Government of Victoria 2

    Expressions of interest are open for an Expert Advisory Group to inform the redesign of community-based mental health and wellbeing services in Victoria.

    The department is undertaking a significant reform program to redesign community based mental health and wellbeing services delivered by Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, including in partnership with non-government organisations.

    The Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign (Community Redesign) project aims to deliver a comprehensive system design and strategy to improve community-based service responses for people of all ages with moderate to severe mental illness who have more intensive treatment, care, and support needs.

    Recommendations 3.2 b and c, 5–8, 19 and 20 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System detail some of the service delivery expectations for community-based mental health services. In 2024–25, a new phase of implementation will focus on reform priorities that translate policy and planning into systemic, operational change.

    Role and Scope

    The Expert Advisory Group is a time-limited group comprising leaders and representatives, including those with lived and living experience of the mental health and wellbeing sector.

    It will help address key questions and considerations that may arise during the planning and design phases. It will provide advice on the implications and risks for specific communities, services and stakeholders and guidance on the approach to engagement with stakeholders.

    Who can apply?

    This expression of interest is open to:

    • Consumers with a lived experience of accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services including psychosocial supports.
    • Carers, families and supporters of people accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services including psychosocial supports.
    • People who have experience working in or managing Area Mental Health Services for the Adult and Older Adult and Infant, Child and Youth cohorts.
    • People who have experience supporting diverse communities who are accessing community-based mental health and wellbeing services.
    • People who represent First Nations mental health and wellbeing services.
    • Representatives of non-government organisations delivering community-based mental health and wellbeing services.
    • Representatives of the mental health and wellbeing workforce or industrial relations.

    Do you have:

    • A special interest or passion for infant, child and youth and/or adult and older adult mental health and a strong desire to see service system improvements?
    • Expertise and/or experience in policy development and/or service or system level design and implementation?
    • A commitment to centring the voices of people who have, and continue to, access Victoria’s mental health system and harnessing their knowledge and experience?
    • Knowledge or experience of the needs of diverse communities, for example Aboriginal communities, LGBTQIA+, disability and multicultural communities including people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds?

    Period of appointment and expected time commitment

    The initial period of appointment is 12 months but may be subject to review pending the outcomes of the project phasing. Expert Advisory Group members will be required to meet online for one or one and half hours, up to 6 times in 2025, commencing in January.

    Meeting dates and times are to be determined when the appointments have been finalised. Some meetings may be held in person; adequate notice will be provided for in-person meetings. Meeting frequency may be subjected to review.

    The department will confirm upon appointment whether members have adjustment requests to support disabilities or health conditions, and this will be factored in to all planning activities.

    Conditions and remuneration

    Lived and living experience members whose participation is not part of their employment will be paid through the participation registers managed by the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council and Tandem.

    Reasonable expenses will be covered for in-person meetings and will be subject to the department’s remuneration policies, outlined in the terms of reference.

    Selection process

    Applications will be reviewed in confidence. Shortlisting and Expert Advisory Group member selection will be led by the Victorian Department of Health. The department handles all personal information in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic).

    How to apply

    Complete the application form to express your interest in joining the Expert Advisory Group.

    Application form – Expert Advisory Group Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Redesign

    pdf 802.87 KB | Updated: Yesterday at 11:36 pm

    For more information, email mhwsystemdesign@health.vic.gov.au.

    Please ensure that you obtain support from your employer prior to submitting your application (if applicable).

    Applications close midnight 6 November 2024.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Approves $200 Million Loan to Enhance Livability in Uttarakhand, India

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    MANILA, PHILIPPINES (23 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to help upgrade water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and other urban services to enhance the quality of life and climate resilience of the people in Uttarakhand state in India.

    The Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project will improve transportation and urban mobility, drainage, flood management, and overall public services in the city of Haldwani, which serves as the state’s economic hub. To enhance water supply service delivery in Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar, the project will finance the implementation of efficient and climate-resilient water supply systems.

    “Uttarakhand’s high vulnerability to climate and environmental risks such as floods and droughts adds to the pressing challenges in delivering good public services that are faced by the project towns,” said ADB Senior Urban Development Specialist Pedro Almeida. “With a projected increase in rainfall, temperatures, and flooding and landslides, upgrading infrastructure in these areas is critical not only to improve livability but also to ensure the population’s safety and health.” 

    In Haldwani, the project will develop 16 kilometers (km) of climate-resilient roads, establish an intelligent traffic management system, deploy compressed natural gas buses, and pilot electric buses. To prepare the city against disasters, the project will construct 36 km of stormwater and roadside drains to improve flood management and implement an early warning system. A green-certified administrative complex and bus terminal will be built to improve the delivery of public services. 

    In the towns of Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar, the project aims to increase water service coverage to 100% by constructing 1,024 km of climate-resilient pipelines with smart water meters, 26 tubewells with a daily capacity of 72,131 cubic meters, new reservoirs with 17,350 cubic meters of storage capacity, and a 3.5 million liter per day water treatment plant. Sanitation coverage in Vikasnagar will be improved by sewage treatment facilities that will benefit around 2,000 households.

    Measures to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Uttarakhand Urban Sector Development Agency and urban local bodies in project management, climate and disaster-resilient planning, and urban infrastructure management will be implemented under the project.

    The project will introduce initiatives for women, such as livelihood skills training on driving buses, bus ticketing, and the operation of electric charging stations. Given women’s role in monitoring water supply systems, the project will build the capacity of women, including those from vulnerable households, in operating and managing water supply and sanitation services. The project will pilot women-led community engagement in water bill distribution and collection in the four towns.

    The European Investment Bank is cofinancing the project with $191 million on a parallel basis, while the state government is contributing $74.9 million—bringing the total project cost to $465.9 million.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Colleagues Release Report On Vote Counting Process For November Election

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    October 22, 2024

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Il.) in releasing a report summarizing what to expect on Election Day and encouraging voters to cast their ballot.

    With the general election well underway in every state across the country, Senate Democrats have a clear message for the American people, which is to vote and cast their ballot as early as possible. As significant numbers of Americans choose to vote by mail, the report explains why it’s still possible that, in some states, the outcome might not be known on November 5th, in part because states differ in whether they allow mail-in ballots to be processed ahead of Election Day and whether ballots must be received by Election Day or postmarked by Election Day. The report also makes clear that voter intimidation is illegal and federal law prohibits coercing or threatening anyone in order to interfere with their right to vote.

    A copy of the report can be found HERE.

    “As Donald Trump bets on chaos, division, and lies to fuel his campaign and get back into the White House, it’s on us to see through his fearmongering and stand up for our democracy. So vote early, vote by mail, vote in person—but vote. The future of our country depends on us rejecting fear and misinformation and making our voices heard,” said Murphy.

    “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and we must do everything we can to protect it and uphold the integrity of the election process. That means pushing back on efforts to sow chaos during election season. As this report explains, it also means making sure that Americans know that it is possible that the outcome in some states will not be known on November 5th. While some states have expedited their counting requirements since 2020, we should be prepared to be patient about results in places where counting ballots may take longer. Americans should keep making their voices heard at the ballot box,” said Klobuchar.

    “Just like 2020, Donald Trump and his allies continue to refuse to commit to accepting the results of the election if he loses while pushing dangerous and divisive rhetoric to sow discord and undermine confidence in our election process. Americans losing faith in the results of our elections doesn’t just risk another January 6th but puts our very democracy at risk,” said Schumer. “Senate Democrats remain committed to ensuring all Americans can vote without fear or intimidation.”

    “Former President Trump’s dangerous rhetoric threatens to further divide our country and sow real potential for violence like we saw up close on January 6, 2021. Our elections are the foundation of American democracy. Protecting them should be the top priority for everyone who cares about the future of our country. Election officials, courts, and elected leaders must be accountable for upholding that principle,” said Heinrich.

    “There is no greater responsibility, or honor, as an American than exercising your right to vote. Our free, fair voting systems and our peaceful transitions of powers are two of the hallmarks that have separated America from authoritarianism for centuries now—and that will carry on far beyond this November, despite Donald Trump’s desperate, sad attempts to sow seeds of chaos and distrust in our electoral processes. The most powerful defense against creeping autocracy in America is to make our voices heard at the ballot box—because carrying out our most sacred duty as citizens is the best way we can ensure remain a government of, by and for the people,” said Duckworth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Opposing Austerity – More than 10,000 workers fight back against government cuts

    Source: PSA

    More than 10,000 workers, including PSA members, gathered across the motu to fight back together against government cuts to public, health and community services and attacks on Te Tiriti.
    PSA members stood shoulder to shoulder with workers from other unions at hui in Whangārei, Auckland, Manukau, Hamilton, Mt Maunganui, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Greymouth, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.
    The New Zealand Council of Trade unions led organisation of the Fight Back Together hui with the support of many its affiliated unions.
    Speaking before a 4,500 strong crowd at Parliament Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said that workers demand, “better investment in public and social infrastructure, public services, health and education” so New Zealanders’ standard of living improves.
    “That’s what this is all about. It’s about a decent quality of life for all of us. It’s about an education system where every child reaches their potential,” she said.
    “It’s about a health system where we … and our families get the health care we need.
    “It’s about an Aotearoa New Zealand that upholds the provision of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
    “It’s about an Aotearoa New Zealand that values public servants and the public services they deliver for all of us.”
    More than 6000 public servants, many PSA members, have lost their jobs under the government’s cuts. Fitzsimons said public servants including those in public health, public science and those protecting our borders have been impacted by the cuts.
    Fitzsimons described the cuts as “shameful”.
    “[Public servants] know their work is important and it now won’t get done.”
    PSA National Secretary Duane Leo said the 3500-strong crowd at Auckland’s Aotea Square was vibrant and colourful.
    ‘People were happy to be there speaking up. It’s about time we started to do this,” he said.
    “We need to change course and value and invest in our public services; for our future, for all Kiwis, and abandon this backward road to nowhere.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Michael Suen

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 23) expressed sorrow over the passing of Mr Michael Suen, former Secretary for Education.

         Mr Suen joined the Government in 1966. He had served as Secretary for Home Affairs, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs and Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands in the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). He was appointed as the Secretary for Education in 2007, a post he held until June, 2012.
          
         “Mr Suen had devoted decades of service to the Government, holding various important positions. He had formulated strategies and provided counsel to the HKSAR in various policy areas, addressing different challenges while promoting Hong Kong’s development. He commanded great respect from government colleagues and members of the community with his dedicated service to the public over the years. Mr Suen had made significant contributions to the HKSAR and was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 1999.

         “I am saddened by the passing of Mr Suen. I extend my deepest condolences to his family,” Mr Lee said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ11: Supporting students with special educational needs

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Gary Zhang and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
     
    Question:
     
         There are views pointing out that the support provided under the existing policy for students with special educational needs (SEN) at public sector ordinary schools is insufficient. In addition, many primary and secondary schools have relayed that due to curricula constraints, they do not have the time to take care of and support the needs of SEN students, and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) also find it difficult to cater for the needs of SEN students because of their heavy administrative workload. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the current number of (i) SENCOs and (ii) Special Educational Needs Support Teachers (SENSTs) in Hong Kong, and the respective average numbers of SEN students supported by each SENCO and SENST;
     
    (2) of the service programmes currently provided by the Government for various types of SEN students, and the average amount of subsidies received by each student;
     
    (3) whether the Government has considered allocating additional resources to provide accessible applied behaviour analysis trainings for students with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (4) given that under the existing policy, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) provides pre-school support for SEN children (from birth to six years old), while the support services for school-aged SEN children over six years old are provided by schools funded by the Education Bureau, but there are views that the support services provided by the SWD and schools, as well as their effectiveness, are completely different, whether the Government will consider having the support services for SEN students provided by the SWD instead?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Government attaches great importance to supporting students with special educational needs (SEN) and has continuously introduced enhancement measures to strengthen the support for students with different SEN. The annual expenditure on integrated education has increased substantially from $1.5 billion in the 2017-18 financial year to about $4.1 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, representing an increase of up to 170 per cent. This reflects the great importance and long-term commitment of the Government attached to integrated education. 
     
         The consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Gary Zhang is as follows:
     
    (1) to (2) To assist public sector ordinary schools in supporting students with SEN, the Education Bureau (EDB) provides schools with additional manpower and professional support on top of regular subvention. The EDB provides schools with the Learning Support Grant (LSG) on an annual basis based on the number of students with SEN in a school and their respective tier of support required. In the 2023/24 school year, the unit grant rates for Tier-2 and Tier-3 support are $15,779 and $63,116 respectively. If the total amount of the LSG reaches a specific threshold, the schools will be provided with additional regular teaching post(s), titled Special Educational Needs Support Teacher (SENST) by the EDB. Also, the post of Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) has been established in each public sector ordinary school. In the 2023/24 school year, there are 844 and 1 355 posts of SENCOs and SENSTs respectively within the staff establishment. Under the Whole School Approach (WSA), all teachers in a school should have the ability and the responsibility to support students with SEN, while the SENCO plays a leading role in collaborating with other teachers and professional support staff. Schools can flexibly pool together and effectively deploy the LSG as well as other resources based on the overall needs of students and according to the principle of “individual calculation and holistic deployment”, including employing additional teachers and teaching assistants and hiring professional services. 
     
         Apart from additional teachers, the EDB provides schools with additional professional support staff. At present, the School-based Educational Psychology Service has covered all public sector ordinary schools in the territory, and the Enhanced School-based Speech Therapy Service has also been fully implemented. Besides, the EDB has launched support programmes and services to address different types of SEN so that students in need can be provided with targeted support, such as the Chinese Language Tiered Intervention Programme for students with dyslexia, the respective support programmes for students with visual impairment and hearing impairment; and the School Partnership Scheme to support ordinary schools to cater for students with intellectual disability who display severe adjustment difficulties.
     
    (3) Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) are the major types of students with SEN. Schools can provide appropriate support for them according to their severity of SEN through the 3-tier Intervention Model, such as in-class adaptation and support, group training targeted for learning, emotional and behavioural adjustment, and individual education plan for students with severe learning or adaptation difficulties, so as to make the best use of resources and maximise the effectiveness. The EDB has also implemented the Project on “Whole School Approach to Providing Tiered Support for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder”. Through the “School-based Multi-Disciplinary Professional Support” and the “Non-Governmental Organisation and School Collaboration”, schools are assisted in adopting evidence-based and diversified strategies to help students develop their abilities in learning, social and emotional adaptation, facilitate their integration in classroom learning and the community, unleash their potential and strengthen their life planning. 
     
         For students with AD/HD, the EDB has been developing a series of teaching resources for enhancing students’ execution skills and relevant software for secondary schools to facilitate individual coaching for the students concerned. Besides, the EDB organises talks and experience-sharing sessions for school personnel on a regular basis, and provides support for primary and secondary school students, parents and teachers under the Jockey Club Keen and Active Kids Project through cross-sector collaboration with university. 
          
         Currently, there are various evidence-based support strategies to assist students with ASD and AD/HD, and applied behaviour analysis (ABA), which mainly reinforces positive behaviour using rewards, is one of them. The EDB has all along been promoting effective and evidence-based support strategies through teacher training and support programmes to enhance schools’ capacity to support students. In addition, a series of learning and teaching resources that make use of information technology and interactive multimedia, such as “Video Modelling”, digital interactive learning and teaching platforms, and digital learning games will be launched by phases. The elements of ABA approach have already been included in these initiatives. Schools are encouraged to deploy their resources flexibly and adopt diversified and appropriate strategies to cater for the needs of different students.
     
    (4) The Government has been providing support services for children with special needs through cross-sector collaboration. In brief, the Health Bureau and the Hospital Authority (HA) provide assessment and medical services; the Social Welfare Department (SWD) provides pre-school rehabilitation services; while the EDB provides learning support.
     
         Children at different stages have different needs for support. At the pre-primary level, kindergartens adopt an integrated approach of theme-based learning, enabling children to learn through a variety of games and activities based on their progress of development and learning needs. Most of the children showing slower development in individual aspects are able to gradually develop their capabilities at their own pace of personal growth. Therefore, at the pre-school level, the SWD provides subvention for non-governmental organisations to operate pre-school rehabilitation services for children with special needs under six years of age. At the primary level, students will transition to a more structured learning approach with different subjects. Schools will also gradually grasp the types of SEN of their students. By adopting the WSA, SENCOs collaborate with various professionals and subject panels in the school to cater for the learning and adaptation needs of students in a holistic manner.
          
         To enhance the effectiveness of the transition from pre-school to primary schooling, a collaborative mechanism has been put in place among the EDB, the SWD, the Department of Health and the HA to ensure that the recipient primary schools can be aware of the special needs of students progressing to Primary One early, and facilitate their integration in the learning life of primary schools. Primary schools will make appropriate support arrangements according to the actual needs of students and provide parents with the “Summary of Transition Support for Primary One Student” to help them understand the support arrangements provided by schools and make suitable complements to enhance the effectiveness and promote home-school communication.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: LNP lead reduced as Queensland election approaches; US election remains very close

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    The Queensland state election is this Saturday, with polls closing at 7pm AEDT. There are 93 single-member seats, with Queensland having no upper house. At the 2020 election, Labor won 52 of the 93 seats, the Liberal National Party (LNP) 34 and all others seven. Labor won the two-party statewide vote by an estimated 53.2–46.8.

    There have been two recently released Queensland polls, with both showing a reduction in the LNP lead from landslide margins the last time the same polls were released. However, the LNP is still very likely to win on Saturday.

    A YouGov poll for The Courier Mail, conducted October 10–16 from a sample of 1,503, gave the LNP a 54.5–45.5 lead, a 2.5-point gain for Labor since the previous YouGov poll in July. Primary votes were 41% LNP (down two), 31% Labor (up five), 11% Greens (down three), 11% One Nation (down two) and 6% for all Others (up two).

    Labor premier Steven Miles had a net approval of -10, up three points, with 44% dissatisfied and 34% satisfied. LNP leader David Crisafulli’s net approval slumped 11 points to +6. Crisafulli led Miles by 37–36 as better premier, down from a 40–29 lead in July.

    A Resolve poll for The Brisbane Times, conducted October 14–19 from a sample of 1,003, gave the LNP a 53–47 lead by respondent preferences and a 52–48 lead by 2020 election preference flows. This is the first time Resolve has given a two-party result for its Queensland polls.

    Primary votes were 40% LNP (down four since the previous Resolve poll that was conducted over four months from June to September), 32% Labor (up nine), 11% Greens (down one), 9% One Nation (up one), 2% independents (down seven) and 5% others (up one).

    In its previous polls, Resolve asked all respondents if they would vote for independents. In this poll that was taken after nominations closed, they only asked for independents where independents were standing, so the independent vote crashed.

    Crisafulli led Miles by 39–37 as preferred premier (40–27 in September). Miles had a +8 net approval (47% good, 38% poor), while Crisafulli was at net +7 approval. On issues, the LNP led Labor by 22 points on crime, with the two parties were within two points on cost of living, housing and health.

    The key reasons why Labor is likely to be defeated are an “it’s time” factor as Labor has governed since winning the January 2015 election, the federal Labor government tending to hurt state Labor parties and Queensland easily being the most pro-Coalition state at the 2022 federal election.

    At that election, Queensland was the only state where the Coalition won the two-party vote (by 54.1–45.9). The second best state for the Coalition was New South Wales, where Labor won the two-party vote by 51.4–48.6.

    US election still very close, but Harris’ national lead drops

    The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 48.8–47.2, a gain for Trump since Sunday, when Harris led by 49.1–46.8. Harris’ national lead peaked on October 2, when she led by 49.4–45.9.

    The US president isn’t elected by the national popular vote, but by the Electoral College, in which each state receives electoral votes equal to its federal House seats (population based) and senators (always two). Almost all states award their electoral votes as winner-takes-all, and it takes 270 electoral votes to win (out of 538 total).

    Relative to the national popular vote, the Electoral College is biased to Trump, with Harris needing at least a two-point popular vote win to be the narrow Electoral College favourite in Silver’s model.

    In Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes), there’s now a 48.0–48.0 tie in Silver’s poll averages. Harris remains barely ahead in Michigan (15 electoral votes) by 0.5 points, Wisconsin (ten) by 0.7 and Nevada (six) by 0.4. But without Pennsylvania, Harris leads in states
    worth 257 electoral votes and Trump in states worth 262, down from a 276–262 Harris lead on Sunday.

    On the current numbers, whoever wins Pennsylvania would win the presidency. Trump leads in North Carolina (16 electoral votes) by one point, Georgia (16) by 1.5 and Arizona (11) by two.

    Silver’s model now gives Trump a 53% chance to win the Electoral College, up from 51% on Sunday, but the race remains very close to a 50–50 chance for either candidate. There’s a 27% chance Harris wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College. The FiveThirtyEight forecast gives Trump a 51% win probability.

    While the polls have trended to Trump recently, that doesn’t mean he will continue to gain. There are still two weeks before the election, and either candidate could win decisively if there’s late movement or poll error in their favour.

    With the seven swing states currently all within two points, the two most likely outcomes are for either Trump or Harris to sweep all seven swing states. A Trump sweep occurs 24% of the time and a Harris sweep 15% of the time.

    Silver has a list of 24 reasons why Trump could win. I think the most important reasons are the economy and the Electoral College bias. These reasons may explain Trump’s recent poll gains.

    Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. LNP lead reduced as Queensland election approaches; US election remains very close – https://theconversation.com/lnp-lead-reduced-as-queensland-election-approaches-us-election-remains-very-close-241683

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Hassan, Kuster Join President Biden in Concord to Celebrate Historic Work to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Granite Staters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    (Concord, NH) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), alongside U.S. Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02), joined President Joe Biden in Concord on the campus of New Hampshire Technical Institute to celebrate historic work by the Biden-Harris Administration to reduce the cost of prescription drug prices for Granite Staters, including action in the Inflation Reduction Act capping the cost of insulin to $35 for Medicare beneficiaries, capping annual out-of-pocket drug spending for Medicare enrollees and allowing the federal government to negotiate prices for drugs covered under Medicare Part B and Part D. As co-chair of the U.S. Senate Diabetes Caucus, Shaheen leads the bipartisan Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act which would cap the cost of insulin at $35 for more Americans. Photos from today’s event can be found here.

    “I was thrilled to welcome President Biden back to New Hampshire today to discuss the Administration’s comprehensive, historic reforms that have already shown success in lowering the price of prescription drugs, including capping insulin at $35 a month for Medicare beneficiaries—a long-standing priority for me,” said Senator Shaheen. “In the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one should have to choose between putting food on the table or paying for the medication they need to survive. So, let’s continue to build on this progress by passing my bipartisan INSULIN Act to cap insulin costs for millions more Americans.”

    “It was great to welcome President Biden back to New Hampshire today to discuss efforts to lower costs for Americans,” said Senator Hassan. “Under the Biden-Harris Administration, we have taken on Big Pharma to start lowering prescription drug prices and put seniors first – and we won’t let up in our efforts to bring down health care costs for Granite Staters and all Americans.”

    “For too long, health care and prescription drugs costs have been too high for too many Americans. That’s exactly why the Biden-Harris Administration made lowering prescription drug costs and expanding access to health care a cornerstone of its agenda,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “From capping the cost of insulin at $35 per month to allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies, they have delivered. Leadership matters and the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris is making a real difference in the lives of hardworking Granite Staters.”

    Shaheen and the full New Hampshire Congressional delegation have supported efforts to combat rising drug prices and prevent drug manufacturers from abusing the drug approval process to limit market competition, including by supporting key provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. Earlier today, the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) released a report announcing that nearly 1.5 million Medicare enrollees, and more that 5,000 Granite Staters, benefited from the new out-of-pocket cap, saving nearly $1 billion on prescription drugs in just the first half of 2024—with even bigger savings expected for the remainder of this year. For the first time, the Inflation Reduction Act also provides Medicare the ability to directly negotiate the prices of certain high-cost drugs with pharmaceutical manufacturers. According to recent estimates, taxpayers will save an estimated $6 billion in prescription drug costs on newly negotiated drugs, and Medicare beneficiaries alone will save an estimated $1.5 billion in annual out-of-pocket costs. More than 30,000 Granite Staters take prescription drugs set for negotiation in 2026.

    Shaheen also pushed for the inclusion of a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that capped out-of-pocket costs for Medicare patients with diabetes by ensuring that Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage health plans limit copays or coinsurance to no more than $35 per month, 25% of list price, or 25% of the negotiated price. Across New Hampshire, Medicare beneficiaries needing insulin would have saved $3.5 million, an average of $536 per enrollee, had the $35 cap been in effect in 2020. As co-chair of the bipartisan U.S. Senate Diabetes Caucus, Shaheen has consistently pressed to hold insulin manufacturers, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers accountable for the skyrocketing cost of life-saving insulin. Last year, Shaheen and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the INSULIN Act, which would comprehensively address the skyrocketing costs of insulin and remove barriers to care making it more accessible to millions of Americans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Workers demonstrate strength of union power

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is celebrating a strong turnout of workers across the country who stood together in opposition to the Government’s anti-worker agenda, with more than 10,000 working people attending hui from Whangārei to Invercargill.

    “Today workers from a wide range of sectors and industries came together and demonstrated the strength of union power. Workers told the Government that they are sick and tired of the total disregard for their livelihoods,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.
     
    “It is galling to hear Brooke van Velden try and claim today the coalition is great for working people, when she is overseeing a series of policies that erode hard fought for worker’s rights, and refuses to even meet with unions.
     
    “Actions speak louder than words. That’s why we know that this coalition government is in the pockets of the rich and corporate interests and doesn’t care about working people.
     
    “We are proud of our movement for uniting together and sending this Government a strong message that will not back down and let them get away with their anti-worker and anti-Te Tiriti agenda.
     
    “When unions and working people unite and use our collective strength, we bring people together and transform society for the better. We have a proud history of creating change, even in the toughest circumstances.
     
    “We will continue to fight for good work, livable incomes, well-funded public services, health and safety at work, and the rights of kaimahi Māori,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: White paper on increasing access to medicines accepted 

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Health Minister David Seymour is pleased to accept the Valuing Life Medicines Access Summit White Paper delivered by Patient Voice Aotearoa (PVA).   

    PVA gives patients a unified voice to help inform better health policy and improve access to healthcare, while fiercely advocating for their rights.   

    “We welcome the White Paper as a call to action to continue improving access to medicines for Kiwis,” says Mr Seymour.  

    “The White Paper follows the Medicines Summit hosted by Mr Seymour in April 2024 and co-facilitated by PVA and Medicines New Zealand. The paper contains 10 suggestions for the development of a patient-centric medicines strategy, which Kiwis deserve.   

    “The acceptance of the White Paper signifies this Government’s commitment to continue to hear from patients up and down New Zealand.  

    “For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely.   

    “To reflect this, this Government listened, allocating Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, so that it can get on and do its job – negotiating the best deals for medicine for New Zealanders.  

    “It was a priority for us to find the additional $1.8 billion to fix the fiscal cliff left by the previous government, and we provided a $604 million uplift to Pharmac to ensure more Kiwis can access life-changing medicines.  

    “Pharmac has a big job ahead. In a trying fiscal environment, we need to prioritise funding and resources and ensure Pharmac remains focused on the basic function of procuring medicine for people who need it, to the best of its abilities.  

    “In my letter of expectations, I made it clear that I want Pharmac to work in partnership with consumers, clinicians, suppliers and the health sector to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders. My letter also makes clear the need for Pharmac to focus on delivering improved health outcomes underpinned by robust data and evidence.   

    “While considerable progress has been made, more work is needed to address the questions raised by the summit on current policy settings and how to adapt to the evolving landscape of medicines. I look forward to continued engagement to give a voice to patients.” 

    Note to editors: The PVA White Paper can be found here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE mourns Michael Suen

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee today expressed sorrow over the passing of former Secretary for Education Michael Suen.

    Mr Suen joined the Government in 1966. He also served as Secretary for Home Affairs, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs and Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands. He was appointed as Secretary for Education in 2007, a post he held until June, 2012.

    Mr Lee said: “Mr Suen had devoted decades of service to the Government, holding various important positions.

    “He had formulated strategies and provided counsel to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in various policy areas, addressing different challenges while promoting Hong Kong’s development.

    “He commanded great respect from government colleagues and members of the community with his dedicated service to the public over the years.”

    Mr Lee stressed that Mr Suen made significant contributions to the Hong Kong SAR and was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 1999.

    “I am saddened by the passing of Mr Suen,” he added. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family.” 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Micro dramas boom as many turn to short videos

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese creatives foresee huge potential in micro dramas, the new trend in the country’s entertainment industry, experts said at an event in Linfen, Shanxi province, on Monday.

    “Through the event held in partnership with CCTV.com, the online media outlet affiliated to China Media Group, we want to build Linfen into a national platform for the micro drama industry,” Yan Jianguo, director of the Linfen publicity department, said in his speech at the Light and Shadows of Linfen: China’s Premium Micro Short Drama Night.

    Micro dramas are low-budget productions mostly shot in vertical format, with each episode a few minutes long, that are shown on short-video streaming platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou. In this genre, viewers can enjoy dramatic plot twists and fast-paced narratives that revolve around revenge or betrayal.

    According to statistics from the China Internet Network Information Center, the total number of internet users in the country had reached 1.1 billion by June, with 52.4 percent of them viewing micro dramas.

    A recent industrial report by market consultancy iiMedia Research, the market value of the country’s micro dramas last year was nearly 37.4 billion yuan ($5.25 billion), a year-on-year increase of about 268 percent. It is expected to exceed 50 billion yuan this year and surpass 100 billion yuan in 2027.

    “Since 2022, micro dramas, with their fast pace and short duration, have been increasingly enjoyed by more users on Douyin, with more than 400 such dramas garnering over 1 billion views as of early this year,” said Lang Fengwei, deputy editor-in-chief of Douyin, adding that the platform has launched a program in micro-drama creation and promotion to explore a new market model.

    Wang Xingyi, vice-president of short-video app Kuaishou, said micro dramas have not only enriched people’s cultural lives, but have also injected vitality into the entertainment sector. Under the app’s micro-drama program, there have been nearly 1,000 such series produced as of early this year.

    Micro dramas are not only popular in China, but are also spreading to the overseas market. According to data provider Sensor Tower, Reel-Short, a micro-drama app created by Chinese publishing company COL Group, landed on the eighth spot on the “Top Free” chart and ninth on the free entertainment chart in the Google Play Store.

    To meet the market demand, scriptwriters, authors and actors have expressed their anticipation in the new genre.

    “When the TV adaptation of my novel A Lifelong Journey aired on China Central Television, I watched it every night alongside viewers across the country,” said author Liang Xiaosheng.

    “Now I wonder whether it can be adapted into a micro drama. I look forward to possibly experiencing that with audiences again,” he added.

    In August, Tencent and the Linfen government built a premium microdrama base to attract key players to shoot their dramas.

    Meanwhile, the local government has issued a policy to support the industry development with a 50-million-yuan fund established to boost production and foster talent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Former mayor and MP returns to Papakura

    Source: Auckland Council

    Former Papakura Mayor John Robertson (2004-2007) returned to the area recently, leading a delegation of Waitomo councillors and the district’s chief librarian to check out facilities in the town.

    Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says it was a case of back to the future when the group visited Sir Edmund Hillary Library, because Robertson played a role in redeveloping the floor now occupied by the library and museum.

    Until the then Papakura District Council sold its stake in the building and used the proceeds to redevelop and bring the facilities together, the museum was on an upper level.

    “He told us it was quite satisfying to see what had been achieved and congratulated us and library staff for leading such a dynamic facility,” Catchpole says.

    “The library is about so much more than books, and the role it plays in our community because of that is invaluable.”

    Robertson and his colleagues also toured Papakura Museum, Papakura Marae – where staff work with the board in a several areas, Central Park and Te Paataka Korero o Takaanini.

    “Our council is very small and that means it doesn’t have a wide rating base. Looking at ways that might allow us to create facilities for our community, particularly ones that can be used in multiple ways, makes sense.

    “What has been achieved in Papakura is a model we can draw on.

    “It shows you don’t have to be thinking you need to build a museum, a library, meeting rooms and everything else. Instead, you can create something that might meet many of the community’s needs in a more affordable way.”

    Like the Papakura Local Board, Waitomo Council is committed to working to promote the social, cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing of its community.

    “We say ‘te hanga tahi o tātou Takiwa – shaping our district together,” says Robertson – who also served as Papakura MP from 1990 to 1996. “Members are working hard to enable a thriving economy to create greater benefits everyone can enjoy.”

    Papakura Museum staff gifted Robertson a 1993 photo showing the then MP with Papakura Mayor David Hawkins, promotions officer Christine Laurenson, and franchisee Martha Hill, on the site where the town’s original McDonald’s was to be built.

    Stay connected

    Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. Or follow us on Facebook.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ18: Promoting digital policies to enhance service quality

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ18: Promoting digital policies to enhance service quality
    LCQ18: Promoting digital policies to enhance service quality
    ************************************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Sunny Tan and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (October 23): Question:      In July this year, the Efficiency Office (EffO) and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer merged to become the Digital Policy Office (DPO). Through the promotion of data-driven, people-centric and outcome-based digital policies, DPO enhances the efficiency and service quality of the Government to deliver better services to the citizens and the business sectors. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) given that the provision of consultancy services to bureaux and departments for business process re-engineering, organisation restructuring, performance measurement, knowledge management and change management is one of EffO’s key non-digital policy areas of work, of the arrangements for such work following the establishment of DPO; (2) whether it will consider having dedicated higher-level leadership to spearhead a sound top-level design, encompassing business process re-engineering, organisation restructuring and performance measurement, etc., so as to bring convenience and benefits to the people on a par with the Mainland’s “one-stop handling” inter-‍departmental approach, thereby more effectively enhancing the efficiency and service performance of Hong Kong’s public administration in dealing with members of the public and enterprises; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (3) whether it has plans to make better use of survey reports and recommendations from relevant departments (e.g. by linking them with relevant information from the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit) to assist in the proper conduct of internal studies to examine policy issues; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President,      Our consolidated reply to the three-part question is as follows:      The Digital Policy Office (DPO) established in July this year is a top-level design announced by the Chief Executive in the 2023 Policy Address. By merging the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the Efficiency Office (EffO), the DPO is tasked to formulate policies and measures related to digital government, data governance and information technology, and accelerate the development of digital government through a top-down approach, thereby improving governance and efficacy of the administration.      Following the re-organisation, the DPO consolidates the expertise and experience of the OGCIO and the EffO to provide comprehensive advice and consultancy services to various policy bureaux and departments (B/Ds) in areas such as design thinking, digital technology application, and innovation and technology project management, with a view to accelerating the development of digital government. As such, the non-digital technology related work of the former EffO, including business process re-engineering, organisation re-structuring, performance measurement, knowledge management and change management, can be further strengthened through the DPO’s digital policies and digital technology solutions.      Specifically, one of the priority tasks of the DPO is to integrate the digital technologies and services of the OGCIO and the professional knowledge and talents of the EffO in promoting business efficiency, so as to steer various B/Ds in leveraging advanced technologies (including big data analytics, artificial intelligence, geospatial analysis, data dashboards, etc.) to improve decision-making and strategic planning; and to continuously enhance the government’s central data platforms and services (including Government Cloud Infrastructure Services, Big Data Analytics Platform, Shared Blockchain Platform, “iAM Smart”, Consented Data Exchange Gateway (CDEG)) to support various B/Ds in developing and implementing more data-driven, people-centric, outcome-based and efficient e-government services that bring convenience and benefit to the public and businesses. These include:(1) To drive B/Ds to achieve service integration through “iAM Smart” to optimise user experience, with a view to achieving full adoption of “iAM Smart” by all e-government services by the end of 2025 to achieve “single portal for e-government services”; (2) To promote the use of the CDEG by various B/Ds to facilitate data exchange between B/Ds, enabling citizens to authorise government departments to use personal information stored in other departments, thereby obviating the need for repetitive submission of the same information and enhancing efficiency of government services; (3) To develop the Digital Corporate Identity Platform to facilitate corporations in Hong Kong to undergo corporate identity authentication and corporate signature verification processes when they use e-government services or conduct online business transactions in a secure, convenient and efficient manner, hence simplifying the complicated procedures and accelerating their digital transformation; and (4) To continue promoting the open data policy and formulate data governance standards to facilitate the collection, analysis, sharing and application of data, and to compile departmental data catalogues to promote the opening up and sharing of data among B/Ds.      The DPO will continue to play its top-level role in collaborating and co-ordinating with relevant B/Ds and rendering advice on service improvement of departments; promoting data-driven, people-centric and outcome-based digital government services within the government; and accelerating the development of digital government, thereby enhancing government efficiency and service quality and bringing more benefits to citizens and the business sectors.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 12:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: US startups raise $91.7 billion VC funding during first three quarters of 2024, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    US startups raise $91.7 billion VC funding during first three quarters of 2024, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    The US saw a slight year-on-year (YoY) improvement in terms of venture capital (VC) funding deals value during the first three quarters (Q1-Q3) of 2024 despite a decline in deal volume. A total of 3,529 VC deals of worth $91.7 billion were announced during the period. This represents a YoY growth of 0.9% in funding value even as VC deal volume fell by 35.1%, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that the US saw the announcement of 5,520 VC deals of worth $90.9 billion during Q1-Q3 2023.

    Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing conflicts have affected the US VC deal landscape in terms of deal volume. However, this did not impact the US’ dominance in global VC funding landscape.  as it continues to maintain a significant lead in VC funding activity by deal volume as well as value to other countries but the lead is now much more pronounced in terms of funding value. The US accounted for more than half of the VC funding amount raised globally during Q1-Q3 2024.”

    The US accounted for 28.9% share of the total number of VC deals announced globally during Q1-Q3 2024 while its share of the corresponding funding value stood much higher at 50.1%.

    It is also noteworthy that the US witnessed announcements of 209 VC deals valued more than or equal to $100 million during Q1-Q3 2024 whereas the number of such deals during Q1-Q3 2023 stood at 162.

    Some of the notable VC funding deals announced in the US during Q1-Q3 2024 include: $6 billion raised by X.AI, $1.5 billion by Anduril Industries, $1.1 billion by CoreWeave, $1 billion by Scale AI, $1 billion by Wiz, $1 billion by Xaira Therapeutics and $1 billion worth funding raised by Safe Superintelligence.

    Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: India’s sustainable eating habits offer glimmer of hope to mitigate climate change, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    India’s sustainable eating habits offer glimmer of hope to mitigate climate change, says GlobalData

    Posted in Consumer

    Sustainable eating encompasses of practices such as minimizing food waste, prioritizing plant-based diets, and consuming locally sourced foods. India is known for its extensive history of vegetarian diets. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, India’s sustainable eating habits offer a glimmer of hope to address the heightened ecological concerns, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    India’s traditional, climate friendly dietary habits have been spotlighted as a global blueprint for sustainable living in a recent Living Planet Report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It identified India’s food consumption pattern as the most climate friendly among G20 nations. The report further stated that if all countries across the globe would adopt the current food consumption pattern of India, the world would need 0.84% of an Earth to support food production by 2050+.

    Shravani Mali, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “In recent years, India observed an intensified vegan movement, especially in metropolitan cities. The country’s current food consumption practices, emphasizing plant-based diets and climate-resilient crops such as millets, require fewer resources and generate lower emissions compared to meat-heavy diets. This transition is also connected to a wider focus on sustainability. Underlining this trend, 79% of Indian respondents in GlobalData’s recent consumer survey stated that the sustainable/environmentally friendly feature is essential/nice to have when deciding to make a food and drinks purchase*.”

    Mali adds: “Traditional Indian diets primarily consist of lentils, grains, and vegetables. For instance, “Thali” is a meal that includes a combination of various food groups and shows a strong connection to the country’s land and history. These traditional diets, which place an emphasis on seasonal and local produce, are becoming more popular as environmental issues gain more attention. Consequently, with increasing awareness, consumers will look forward to curtailing environmental burdens by adopting traditional dietary practices that prioritize plant-based foods.”

    Deepak Nautiyal, Consumer and Retail Commercial Director, APAC and Middle East at GlobalData, notes: “The Indian government has introduced several initiatives to promote environmentally sustainable practices in the country. For instance, the government launched schemes such as National Millet Campaign and the International Year of Millets (2023) to enhance the production and consumption of millets since it is an environmentally sustainable source of food and nutrition. In addition to this, the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) aims to improve climate-resilient farming.

    “Furthermore, the socioeconomic advantages of sustainable food production are exemplified by the Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program in southern India. Hence, these initiatives have positively contributed to India’s food practices as a model of sustainability.”

    Mali concludes: “By adopting climate-friendly diet, individuals can make a tangible impact on the environment. Adopting Indian sustainable eating habits worldwide offers a clear path to address critical environmental and health challenges. With the food system being one of major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, shifting towards plant-based diets, as exemplified by Indian cuisine, could reduce emissions significantly, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

    *GlobalData 2024 Q3 Consumer Survey – India, with 500 respondents, published October 2024

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In October, the service “Removal of Unnecessary Things” receives about a thousand applications per week

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Service “Removal of unnecessary things” is becoming increasingly popular among Muscovites. Every week in October, about a thousand applications for the disposal of items are received from residents of the capital. Most often, city residents get rid of worn-out sofas, electronics and old household appliances, including washing machines and refrigerators.

    With the help of the service, Muscovites can get rid of unnecessary things in a simple, convenient and environmentally friendly way. City residents do not need to look for movers and transport, special disposal sites – the removal of household appliances and metal objects is handled by a partner company connected to the service. At the appointed time, the craftsmen will come to the user, take out old and unnecessary things from the apartment, lower them down and load them into the car. If necessary, they will disconnect the equipment from communications and the power grid. However, built-in equipment, such as a dishwasher, must be dismantled by the owners themselves.

    To remove unnecessary things you will need fill out an online application on the mos.ru portal. You need to specify the address, items and their quantity. Then you should select the expected date and time of removal.

    Things are sent to environmentally friendly recycling points. More than 85 percent returned items are recycled, and the resulting material is reused. Thus, thanks to the service, you can not only get rid of old things, but also take care of the environment. After all, old household appliances contain dangerous elements, toxic additives and heavy metals that lead to soil erosion, groundwater and air pollution.

    How to celebrate in the capital’s Department of Information Technology, Residents of all districts of Moscow who have a valid ID can use the service. a standard or full account on the mos.ru portal. Large-sized equipment, metal products, cars and motorcycles are removed free of charge.

    Sergei Sobyanin told how the service “Removal of unnecessary things” helps Muscovites

    Work and development service “Removal of unnecessary things” supervise the capital’s departments information technology, housing and communal services and the State Institution “New Management Technologies”. Removal services are provided by a specialized partner organization.

    The use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life of city residents corresponds to the objectives of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” and the regional project of the capital “Digital Public Administration”. More information about this and other national projects implemented in Moscow, You can find out here.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145648073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Silver Mentoring project has been uniting generations for 1.5 years already — Sobyanin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The unique city project “Silver Mentoring”, thanks to which children living in the capital’s centers for the promotion of family education find mentors from among the participants project “Moscow Longevity” has turned one and a half years old. This was announced by Sergei Sobyanin in his telegram channel.

    “For the children, such communication is very valuable. Together, the project participants attend excursions, festivals and exhibitions, engage in creative work and cooking. Mentors conduct master classes, teach sports and board games, and organize film screenings,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin 

    The older generation shares wisdom, their family customs, warmth and love with those who need it. Over the past year and a half, more than half of the students from Moscow have joined the Silver Mentoring project. family education assistance centers. Conducted for them over 500 events.

    “Silver Mentoring”: Sergei Sobyanin told how elderly Muscovites from Moscow longevity centers will help orphans

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11933050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Digital accounting and computer vision: how Moscow is developing information services in the financial sector

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The capital has been developing information technologies in the field of public finance for more than 12 years. This was stated Elena Zyabbarova, Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Finance, at the panel discussion “The Digital Future of the Budget: Technologies and Efficiency” at the Moscow Financial Forum.

    “Today, each city sector has its own technological platform, on which both its management and the provision of services to city residents and other end users are built. And the sphere of public finances is no exception. Due to the creation of modern services, their integration with city and federal information systems, we have significantly increased the quality and speed of the budget process in Moscow, and in general, a colossal paradigm shift has occurred,” the head of the department said.

    In Moscow, digitalization has helped to get rid of paper document flow, create digital workplaces, increase the speed of payments and strengthen control over the use of budget funds. Big data processing systems have made it possible to conduct a detailed industry analysis of budget revenues, monitor the state of the economy and significantly increase the accuracy of assessing the income of the city treasury.

    The discussion participants emphasized that further digitalization is impossible without deepening integration between departmental information and analytical systems, developing unified standards for managing and accounting budget funds. Big data processing technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms are coming to the forefront today.

    The use of artificial intelligence algorithms significantly expands the capabilities of financiers: the machine can be trusted to carry out routine operations and free up the time of specialists for analytical work.Department of Finance of the City of Moscow already working service using computer vision when authorizing transactions of treasury support participants. In addition, the department is implementing algorithms for robotizing the formation and authorization of payment documents for payment of government contracts.

    A fundamentally new system has made it possible to unify budget accounting procedures in Moscow centralized budget accounting model. It enables accounting according to general rules using a single chart of accounts and document forms and at the same time in accordance with the specifics of various urban economic complexes. Digital accounting allows obtaining large data sets and comparing the financial and economic performance indicators of institutions.

    Together with the Federal Treasury of the Russian Federation Department of Finance of the City of Moscow is working on the implementation of customer-oriented services. This is the use of the Mir payment system for all types of social payments to residents of the capital and the creation of an automated payment system for city purchases of goods and services using fast payment technology.

    “In the future, budget management will be based on constant diagnostics of changing conditions. On the one hand, it will become fast and flexible, comfortable for all participants in the process, and on the other hand, it will eliminate possible errors as much as possible and provide a high level of security,” Elena Zyabbarova emphasized.

    The use of digital technologies to improve the quality of life of city residents is in line with the objectives of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” and the Moscow regional project “Digital Public Administration”. More information about this and other national projects implemented in the capital can be found Here.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145637073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The project for the construction of a house under the renovation program in Babushkinsky District has been approved

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A four-section house will appear in Babushkinsky District under the renovation program. It will be built on Iskra Street. The construction project has already been approved, said the Chairman of the Moscow City Committee for Pricing Policy in Construction and State Expertise of Projects Ivan Shcherbakov.

    “The apartment building is planned to be built on the site of two vacated houses at the address: Iskry Street, Building 13, Buildings 2 and 3. It will be a four-section building of variable number of storeys with a non-residential first floor. The presented design documentation has been developed in accordance with modern technical regulations, norms, rules and safety standards,” Ivan Shcherbakov noted.

    The new building will be L-shaped. The entrances in the second and third sections will have double vestibules, and in the first and fourth — single ones. The first floor will house infrastructure facilities. The new building will have one-room, two-room and three-room apartments.

    Specialists will create a barrier-free environment for comfortable movement of all residents. For example, entrances to the residential part will be designed with a minimum difference between the level of the sidewalk and the floor of the lobby, and some apartments will be equipped specifically for people with limited mobility.

    “For the construction of this building with a total floor area of 25.9 thousand square meters, the Moscow Committee for Architecture has issued an urban development plan for a land plot of 1.4 hectares,” she added.

    Juliana Knyazhevskaya, Chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development of the City of Moscow.

    Previously Sergei Sobyanin reported, that 1.2 trillion rubles have been allocated in the draft budget for three years to implement the renovation program.

    Consultations on the property and help from movers: Muscovites received more than a million notifications from the super service “Moving under the renovation program”Over six thousand Muscovites will begin resettlement under the renovation program in September and October

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement and the resettlement of more than 47 thousand people was ensured. Sergei Sobyanin ordered to doublethe pace of program implementation.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. Over the past five years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of residential properties in the capital has doubled – from three to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow, you can find out here.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145649073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: Public swimming pools

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹â€‹Following is a question by the Hon Doreen Kong and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
     
    Question:

         Regarding public swimming pools under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the utilisation rates (set out by session for admission) and attendances of various public swimming pools in each of the past five years;

    (2) of the number of schools holding swimming galas at public swimming pools in the past five years;

    (3) of the expenditure on the staff salaries and benefits, operating costs and maintenance fees of public swimming pools in the past five years;

    (4) in respect of the public swimming pools with utilisation rates on the low side, whether the authorities will consider consolidating them with those public swimming pools in the neighbouring districts to increase the overall utilisation rates, thereby better meeting the demand of members of the public;

    (5) as there are views pointing out that the mode of leisure and entertainment of members of the public is constantly changing, whether the authorities have plans to upgrade facilities of public swimming pools and include more diversified entertainment elements (such as water parks and water play facilities), so as to attract members of the public of different age groups to use them; and

    (6) as some persons with disabilities (PWDs) have relayed that barrier-‍free facilities at some public swimming pools are inadequate, of the current situation of the provision of barrier-free facilities at public swimming pools; whether it will consider further increasing and upgrading the barrier-free facilities at public swimming pools by, for example, providing additional ramps, lanes for exclusive use by PWDs and so on, at the swimming pools to improve the inclusiveness of public swimming pools, thereby benefiting a wider group of members of the public?

    Reply:
     
    President,

         My reply to the questions raised by the Hon Doreen Kong is as follows:

    (1) As the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) does not maintain record of individual swimmer’s time of entry and exit at its public swimming pools, there is no information about the utilisation rate of its swimming pools at different periods of time. Details of the attendance of public swimming pools managed by the LCSD are set out at Annex I.

    (2) In the past five years, the number of schools that have hosted swimming galas in public swimming pools managed by the LCSD is as follows:
     

    Year
    2019
    2020
    2021
    2022
    2023

    Number
    234
    31
    30
    101
    231

    * In view of the situation of COVID-19, public swimming pools were closed during various periods from 2020 to 2022. Hence, the number of swimming galas held was lower.

    (3) In the past five years, the expenditure on staff remuneration and fringe benefits as well as the operating cost of public swimming pools are as follows:
     

    Year
    2019-20
    2020-21
    2021-22
    2022-23
    2023-24

                              ($ million)

    Expenditure on staff remuneration and fringe benefits
    660.06
    660.06
    660.06
    686.17
    720.30

    Operating cost
    520.34
    513.36
    532.91
    563.55
    596.61

         â€‹As for repair and maintenance, multiple works departments are responsible for the maintenance and repair of various recreation and sports facilities under the LCSD. Costs of works such as repair, maintenance, improvement and refurbishment of facilities, as well as expenses on equipment procurement, are included in the overall expenditure of those works departments. The LCSD does not have a breakdown of the repair and maintenance costs of public swimming pools.

    (4) and (5) In order to cater for the public demand for different swimming pool facilities, the number and type of facilities as well as design and layout of public swimming pools vary. At present, 25 of the public swimming pools under the LCSD (such as Kennedy Town Swimming Pool, Hammer Hill Road Swimming Pool and Tseung Kwan O Swimming Pool etc) offer water play equipment in addition to conventional swimming facilities, addressing the needs of different age groups and allowing more citizens to experience the fun of aquatic activities.
     
         The selection of location, types of facilities offered as well as design and layout of each swimming pool must meet the needs of the public (especially the local residents) for swimming facilities. The LCSD will optimise the use of resources according to the actual situation, closely monitor the utilisation of public swimming pools and take into account different factors, including the impact on local residents, future demographic changes and the views of relevant district councils, when reviewing the future planning of its facilities.

    (6) At present, among the 46 public swimming pools under the LCSD, 36 (about 78 per cent) are equipped with accessible lifting platforms or ramps to assist persons with disabilities in entering the pools. A list of these swimming pools is at Annex II. As for the remaining public swimming pools where accessible lifting platforms or ramps have yet to be installed, there are other pools equipped with relevant facilities within the same district. Persons with disabilities may consider visiting another pool in the same district for the swimming facilities thereat according to their needs.
     
         All leisure venues of the LCSD built after 2008 (including public swimming pools) are in compliance with the requirements of the “Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 2008”, including the provision of ramps or accessible lifting platforms as far as possible to assist persons with disabilities in entering the pools. As for the leisure venues built before 2008 (including public swimming pools), subject to geographical environment, allocation of resources, architectural conditions and technical feasibility, the LCSD will arrange for relevant improvement works to be carried out, such as providing facilities for barrier-free access, accessible toilets and parking spaces, as well as adding facilities such as tactile guide paths, Braille signage, Braille and tactile maps, for the convenience of the visually impaired, in the course of renovation or conversion so that persons with disabilities can also enjoy swimming pool facilities provided by the LCSD.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ20: Activities in celebration of the National Day and exhibitions relating to patriotic education

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yung and a written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
     
    Question:
     
         Regarding the activities in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the exhibitions relating to patriotic education organised by the HKSAR Government this year, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the following information on the aforesaid celebratory activities: (i) the names of the activities, (ii) the organising government departments, (iii) the dates on which the activities were held (with commencement and end dates) and (iv) the numbers of participants, and set out the breakdown in the table below; and

    (i)
    (ii)
    (iii)
    (iv)

     
     
     
     

           
    (2) whether it has assessed the overall effectiveness of the various exhibitions relating to patriotic education (including the national security exhibition and the “Glorious Voyage: Splendid Achievements of the People’s Republic of China in Its 75 Years” exhibition series at the Hong Kong Museum of History, as well as the exhibitions at the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence) in terms of the attendances, the level of satisfaction, etc; whether it will continuously step up promotion of such exhibitions through more innovative means, so as to attract more members of the public and tourists to visit them?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Having consulted the relevant bureaux and departments, the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Yung is as follows:
     
         This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. To celebrate this important day with members of the public, the HKSAR Government has spared no effort in planning and launching a wide array of rich, diverse and creative celebratory activities before and after the National Day featuring the spirit of patriotism, so as to share the joy of the National Day with the public, while at the same time promote patriotism.
     
         Regarding part (1) of the question, the HKSAR Government and various sectors of the community has organised more than 400 celebratory activities before and after the National Day. Details of the events are available on the dedicated website (www.nationalday75.gov.hk). As at October 16, 2024, 38 amongst the 71 highlight celebratory events organised by various policy bureaux and departments had been completed. Please refer to the Annex for details.
     
         Regarding part (2) of the question, the HKSAR Government has organised a number of exhibitions with elements of patriotism, for example, the thematic exhibition “Brothers in Arms: War of Resistance Activities of the East River Column in Shenzhen and Hong Kong” exhibited at the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence since September 4, 2024, and the “Glorious Voyage: Splendid Achievements of the People’s Republic of China in Its 75 Years’ Exhibition Series” at the Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Science Museum since September 27, 2024, etc. Moreover, the covered walkway of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park is currently hosting the “Trendsetting Travel in China” display to showcase national achievements, whereas the thematic book exhibition “The Glorious and Momentous Days – Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China” is being held at various public libraries and the Hong Kong Museum of History. These exhibitions cover various themes across different areas, presenting a comprehensive display of the country’s development. Overall speaking, the exhibitions are effective and the response of the public is overwhelming. As at October 15, the exhibitions organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) have recorded over 300 000 visitors. The LCSD will continue to promote the exhibitions through various channels including online media, and organise related education and extension programmes to attract more locals and visitors.
     
         In addition, the National Security Exhibition Gallery, located at the Hong Kong Museum of History, is the first dedicated exhibition in Hong Kong to systematically introduce national security. It has been opened to the public for visits with free admission since August 7 this year and has already welcomed 100 000 visitors in just two months. This shows that the community attaches great importance to and is supportive for national security education. Visitors have given very positive feedback about the exhibition hall, and consider the exhibition contents rich, diverse, and educational. In order to attract more locals and visitors, the National Security Exhibition Gallery will roll out thematic exhibitions in mid-2025 for the 10th National Security Education Day and the 5th anniversary of the promulgation of the Hong Kong National Security Law.
     
         The HKSAR Government is truly grateful for the staunch support received from various sectors of the community and the general public, without such, these many celebratory events would not have completed so successfully. This fully reflects the passion and love from all Hong Kong citizens for our country. The HKSAR Government will continue to press ahead with perseverance and determination, bring together the community forces, and take on the responsibility to lead Hong Kong to a brighter future.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Majority of NZ researchers see Māori Indigenous knowledge as relevant to their work – but there is a gender divide

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katharina Ruckstuhl, Associate Professor in Indigenous Economy, University of Otago

    Getty Images

    While the New Zealand government plans to review 28 pieces of legislation with a view to changing or repealing references to the Treaty of Waitangi, the science sector is embracing engagement with Māori and leading the way in linking science and Indigenous knowledge at a national scale.

    We surveyed 316 researchers from research organisations across New Zealand on their engagement with Māori and their attitudes towards mātauranga Māori (Indigenous knowledge system). We found the majority agree engagement is important and mātauranga Māori is relevant to their research.

    Our preliminary findings show most of the surveyed researchers engaged with Māori to some degree in the past and expect to keep doing so in the future. A majority agreed mātauranga Māori should be valued on par with Western science.

    New Zealand is not alone in seeing Indigenous knowledge as complementary. Over the past few decades, several international projects engaged Indigenous knowledge systems to help solve pressing local and global problems. This includes traditional Aboriginal burning the reduces the risk of wildfires and sustainable water management.

    But New Zealand has been at the forefront of developing a nationwide approach through the 2007 Vision Mātauranga policy. This science-mātauranga connection has given New Zealand a global lead in how to meaningfully and practically mobilise science and Indigenous knowledge at a national scale.

    In contrast, the US only recently developed its national Indigenous science policy.

    Merging knowledge systems

    The merging of Indigenous and Western knowledge is particularly important in the high-tech innovation field. Here, New Zealand’s approach is starting to have real impacts, including supporting innovations and capabilities that would not have happened otherwise.

    Through years of engagement with the research and innovation sector, Māori are increasingly expecting the sector to work differently. This means both engaging beyond the laboratory and being open to the possibility that science and mātauranga Māori together can create bold innovation. Examples include supporting Māori businesses to create research and development opportunities in high-value nutrition, or using mātauranga to halt the decline of green-lipped mussels in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

    Mātauranga Māori has been key to restoring green-lipped mussels at Ōhiwa Harbour in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
    Getty Images

    Some media reports give the impression of a divided research community when it comes to mātauranga Māori. There have also been anecdotal reports suggesting scientists feel “pressured” to include “irrelevant” mātauranga Māori in science applications to win funding.

    We questioned whether this divide was real and as widespread as was being reported. We investigated how non-Māori researchers view engagement and collaboration, in particular the role of mātauranga Māori within that engagement.

    We examined the responses of the 295 non-Māori scientists in our survey and found 56% agreed mātauranga Māori should be valued on par with Western science. Only 25% disagreed. Moreover, 83% agreed scientists had a duty to consult with Māori if the research had impacts on them.

    However, there was a significant gender difference: 75% of women compared to 44% of men agreed mātauranga Māori should be valued on par with science. Only 8% of women disagreed with that statement compared to 34% of men.

    Gender differences

    As social scientists researching New Zealand’s innovation system, these results quantified our earlier observations in two important respects.

    First, it seems that exposing researchers to engagement with Māori communities may create a more open attitude to mātauranga Māori. A key aspect of the past few years has been to broaden the science sector’s engagement with various communities, including Māori.

    The Vision Mātauranga policy has been explicit about this in the innovation sector and research and development areas. It appears likely this approach has, at least for some non-Māori researchers, created an openness to consider mātauranga Māori as an equivalent, although different, knowledge framework.

    This policy push and Māori community pull has seen scientists in this survey overwhelmingly agree that Māori should be consulted about the impacts research may have on their communities.

    Second, while we disagree with the anecdotal evidence that the science community as a whole is split when it comes to mātauranga and engagement with Māori, our results suggest there is a difference between genders. Women researchers in this survey are very positive when it comes to valuing mātauranga Māori, whereas men are relatively less so. We need to study this more deeply to find out why this might be the case.

    Shifts in how researchers work

    New Zealand’s science, research and innovation sector is in the middle of a structural transition with reviews of its priorities, policy, funding and organisational arrangements.

    While central government re-arrangements can happen relatively quickly, the interface between the laboratory, community and industry can take years to adjust. Embedding new practices is complex and not easily done.

    The 2007 Vision Mātauranga policy was initially slow, uneven and bumpy in its implementation. But our results suggest its impact has accelerated over the past few years. This includes recognising that working alongside different knowledge systems is valuable for innovation.

    Whatever New Zealand’s current restructure of the science sector prioritises, the way researchers work has changed. New Zealand is now at the forefront of global shifts when it comes to links between Indigenous knowledge and science.

    Anecdotes aside, accelerating the engagement between Māori and the science sector will be key to delivering the impact Māori and wider New Zealand expect.

    Katharina Ruckstuhl received funding from Science for Technological Innovation, National Science Challenge.

    Madeline Judge received funding from Science for Technological Innovation, National Science Challenge.

    Urs Daellenbach received funding from Science for Technological Innovation, National Science Challenge.

    – ref. Majority of NZ researchers see Māori Indigenous knowledge as relevant to their work – but there is a gender divide – https://theconversation.com/majority-of-nz-researchers-see-maori-indigenous-knowledge-as-relevant-to-their-work-but-there-is-a-gender-divide-241239

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Scam alert: Scammers are targeting Australians in hardship

    Source: Australia Scam Watch

    Background
    Criminals are impersonating charities and offering fake financial assistance schemes to target people experiencing financial hardship.
    Trusted charities like Good Shepherd and the Salvation Army offer no interest loans. These loans support low-income earners and people in hardship who are struggling with payments or unexpected expenses.
    Criminals are pretending to offer loans from these charities. They may also impersonate government agencies and programs or other charities.

    How to spot the scam
    This scam can be hard to spot because criminals can set up fake social media accounts that look genuine.
    The scammers will ask for your identity information and myGov login details.

    How the scam works
    Criminals pretend to offer services such as no interest loans. They also offer fake emergency relief services, rental assistance, and programs such as the Australian Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
    Once the scammers get someone’s identity information, they can log into myGov accounts, lock people out, and stop people getting government benefits like Centerlink and NDIS payments. They can steal support from charities.
    Someone who is already experiencing hardship can be left without any money and be further behind on payments such as rent.

    What you should know
    Real support to people experiencing financial hardship is available, but criminals will try to target people in need.
    Check independently that an organisation offering financial help is legitimate. Don’t rely on social media advertisements. Don’t assume that someone contacting you is who they say they are.
    A real organisation will never ask for your personal information through social media.

    Find out more
    This scam is a type of impersonation scam.
    Scammers pretend they are from charity organisations. They ask for personal details so they can steal government benefits and charity support.

    Stay protected
    STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure. Say no, hang up, delete.
    CHECK – Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust – like your bank, charities, the police or government. If you’re not sure, call the official phone number of the organisation to check.
    PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. If you have had money or personal information stolen contact your bank and Services Australia immediately. Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.

    Resources for people experiencing financial hardship
    The official number for the National debt helpline is 1800 007 007.
    Call the Good Shepherd No Interest Loans (NILs) team on 13 64 57 or find a community service NILs provider near you. 

    MIL OSI News –